. >> democrats and republicans are bargain to go dodge the fiscal cliff. if a deal is note struck, tax hikes and budget cuts will kick in. it seems unlikely they can write a comprehensive budget bill in time. they are thinking of a fall back plan. >> president obama is urging congress to focus. >> i'm optimistic that an agreement can be achieved. >> at the white house friday the president and congressional leaders spent some 70 minutes in a negotiating session and agreed to keep talking. >> it was constructive. >> it was constructive. >> i'm hopeful and optimistic. >> as snow fell on mostly deserted washington, two sides continued bargaining. if there some on deal, president obama wants smaller bill extending tax cuts making $250,000 or less and continuing unemployment benefits for millions that will lose them. >> i believe such a proposal could pass both houses with bipartisan majorities as long as these leaders allow it to come to a vote. >> we can still avoid going over the fiscal cliff if the president and democratically controlled senate step forward